RISALPUR April 14, 2026 (Khyber Mail): The graduation ceremony of multiple courses was held at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, with Admiral Naveed Ashraf attending as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony marked the commissioning of cadets from the 152nd GD(P), 98th Engineering, 109th Air Defence (Alpha & Bravo), 28th Admin & Special Duties (Alpha & Bravo), 11th Logistics (Alpha), and 135th Combat Support Courses.
Upon arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Air Vice Marshal Shahryar Khan, while Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the graduating cadets, Admiral Naveed Ashraf congratulated them on completing their rigorous training and praised the academy for producing officers with strong character, discipline, and professionalism. He expressed confidence that the newly commissioned officers would uphold the traditions of the Pakistan Air Force and contribute to its vision of excellence.
Referring to the force’s operational performance, he highlighted the success of the PAF during the Marka e Haq May 2025, attributing it to effective leadership, modernization, and integration of advanced technologies under the current air leadership.
He emphasized the importance of Multi-Domain Operations, particularly in areas such as electronic warfare, cyber, and space domains, urging the cadets to remain prepared for evolving security challenges through continuous vigilance.
Highlighting inter-services cooperation, the naval chief said the Pakistan Navy, in coordination with other armed forces, continues to enhance its operational capabilities through modernization and induction of advanced platforms to safeguard national interests.
A total of 113 aviation cadets graduated during the ceremony. Among the award recipients, Squadron Under Officer Nad-e-Ali received the Chief of the Defence Forces Trophy for overall best performance in General Service Training. Cadets Navaira Shahzad and Muhammad Abdullah Ejaz were awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Trophies for best performance in Engineering and Air Defence courses, respectively.
Cadet Faran Javed secured the trophy for best performance in Combat Support Course, while Wing Under Officer Basit Aliyan Siddiqui and Cadet Salman Saeed were awarded the prestigious Swords of Honour for their outstanding performance in the College of Aeronautical Engineering and College of Flying Training.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, distinguished guests, and families of the graduating cadets. It concluded with a flypast by frontline fighter aircraft, including JF 17 Thunder and F 16 Fighting Falcon, followed by an aerobatic display by the Sherdils formation team.